Sub-Vastus Approach

You rely on your knee joints on a daily basis to get you where you need to go. In fact, the knee is one of the most utilized joints in the body. If you are experiencing pain in one or both of your knee joints and have already exhausted all of your non-surgical options, it may be time to consult with a doctor about the possibility of having a minimally invasive joint replacement. Specifically, Dr. Douglas Roger provides a unique, minimally invasive knee replacement surgery. The Sub-Vastus Approach knee replacement surgery is an excellent option to relieve your knee pain once and for all.

What is Minimally Invasive Knee Surgery Sub-Vastus Approach?

You have probably heard of total knee replacement surgery; which involves completely removing and replacing the knee joint with a prosthetic joint (typically made of metal and plastic); damaged cartilage is also removed and a plastic spacer is inserted between the femur and the tibia to allow painless flexing of the new joint.

What Are the Benefits of Minimally Invasive Knee Surgery?

So, what’s the difference between a traditional knee replacement surgery and Dr. Roger’s Sub-Vastus Approach knee surgery? For starters, the incision required for Dr. Roger’s procedure is much smaller when compared to the typical 8-12 inch incision of a traditional knee replacement surgery.

Specifically, the incisions in the minimally invasive Sub-Vastus Approach are typically just 4-6 inches long, or about half the size. The end result is less damage to the sensitive tissue underneath the skin and a quicker recovery. In fact, with the Sub-Vastus Approach, it’s not unheard of for patients to be fully recovered within just a few weeks of the surgery. Because of the smaller incisions, patients can also keep the muscles of the quadriceps intact, which results in less pain and discomfort following the procedure itself.

Dr. Roger takes a personalized approach with each of his patients, so he will custom tailor the procedure to each patient’s needs. This process involves starting with a total CT scan of the affected knee and then using that information to craft a customized joint implant that will precisely fit the patient’s unique body. The end result is a better chance of a successful knee joint replacement, reduced chance of complications, and greater post-operative comfort for patients.

In addition to the above benefits of minimally invasive knee surgery,

patients who opt for this surgical approach also enjoy:

less trauma to muscles/tendons surrounding the affected joint

a more precise operation

reduced risk of complications following surgery

less blood loss during and after the procedure

a new knee joint that lasts 25-30 years or more

Why Trust Dr. Roger With Your Knee Surgery?

You certainly have a choice when it comes to the surgeon you trust for your knee replacement. So, just what sets Dr. Roger apart from the other qualified surgeons in the area? For starters, Dr. Roger has already performed thousands of surgeries and actually specializes in minimally invasive joint replacement procedures, so you can enjoy the peace of mind in knowing that you’ll be in capable and experienced hands. And since minimally invasive knee surgery can run a high risk of complication if it’s not done correctly, you want to make sure you’re trusting your procedure to a highly experienced and reputable surgeon.

Dr. Roger also understands the importance of getting to know each patient and making sure that every patient is absolutely comfortable with every step of the process before continuing. This includes taking the necessary time to answer any patient questions and address any concerns. All of this, combined with the fact that Dr. Roger is known for staying on top of the latest medical innovations (and has more than 20 years of experience) when it comes to joint replacement, leaves patients feeling at ease and confident.

What to Expect From a Knee Replacement Sub-Vastus Approach

Those planning on consulting with Dr. Roger about the possibility of having a minimally invasive knee surgery done often find themselves wondering what they can expect from the process.

For starters, the procedure itself typically takes about one to one-and-a-half hours. Generally, you should be able to leave the hospital within a day of your surgery, provided that there aren’t any complications. And with Dr. Roger’s expertise, your chances of running into any post-operative complications are slim. In fact, some of his patients are even able to leave the hospital that same day.

Once you’re discharged, understand that it’s normal to experience some discomfort in the days following the surgery. Swelling around the joint is also common. Fortunately, these symptoms can usually be taken care of with some simple medications, such as painkillers for the discomfort and Celebrex for the inflammation and swelling.

Believe it or not, you’ll also be walking within just hours of the procedure. Of course, you shouldn’t overdo it, but a small amount of joint movement will help with recovery. Over time and with physical therapy, you’ll begin to recover strength in the affected knee, improve your range of motion, and increase your energy. Within a couple of months, most patients can resume the majority of their everyday activities.

Tired of living with knee pain? Schedule your consultation with Dr. Roger today to discuss the possibility of having a minimally invasive joint replacement procedure done.